Marie Schanbacher

1922 - 2012

Schanbacher, Marie

Newark Valley: Marie (Coolbaugh) Schanbacher, 90, died peacefully at her home on June 26, 2012. Her husband and best friend of 58 years, Walt Schanbacher, predeceased her in 2008. Marie is survived by her sister Alberta Klipple, 95, of Columbiana, OH; her sons and daughters-in-law, Walter and Nan (Waksman) Schanbacher, Merion Station, PA and Dana and Julie (Smith) Schanbacher, Newark Valley. Also surviving are her five grandchildren (who lovingly called her "Dobby"), Jennifer of West Hollywood, CA, Michael, Woods Hole, MA and Steffi, Christa and Kathryn all of Newark Valley, and many nieces and nephews. Marie was born on January 30, 1922, a daughter of William and Anna (Courtright) Coolbaugh at "Skyline," the family farm for many years, on Bald Mountain in Clarks Summit, PA. She was also predeceased by her sister, Mabel Lakits, her brothers, Walter, Duane and Wilmer Coolbaugh, and her beloved grandson, Joshua. Marie graduated from Scranton Central High School and was a significant alumna of Keystone College in LaPlume, PA. She received numerous awards for her service including "Keystonian of the Year," and "The Presidential Founders Award". Her Bachelors and Masters Degrees were completed at SUNY Oswego.

Marie was a pioneer of "the computer world," working for IBM as a Systems Engineer in the late 1940s. She became one of the most significant women of IBM's early years by teaching people how to work on this new machine and then keep it running. She later served as Chief of Tabulation for the 1950 U.S. Census and was a dedicated worker in the fight against polio, serving as chairperson for the local March of Dimes. She was also instrumental in the implementation of the Salk and Sabin vaccination programs. In the 1960's Marie returned to the workforce, initially at IBM. She then became a Charter Member of the first faculty at the Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services ("BOCES"), where, as a gifted teacher, she taught and launched many talented young computer programmers.

In 1962, Marie made the news and medical history by becoming one of the early patients to survive open heart surgery. Articles pertaining to her surgery and recovery appeared in the Binghamton Press as well as other newspapers. Later in her life, Marie began painting and became quite accomplished. Several of her works were shown publicly. Both she and Walt served on the Board of Tioga County Council on the Arts and she also served on the Board of the Newark Valley Historical Society. In honor of her brother Walter, she became an important member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association (DESA). The USS COOLBAUGH was named after Walter.

Marie's family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers who made it possible for her to remain comfortable at home. They provided her quality care at the end of her amazing life.

A memorial celebration will be held at the Newark Valley United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 21, with the family receiving friends beginning at 11:30 AM, to be followed by a service of remembrance at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of one's choice, or to the Tioga County Council on the Arts. Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley family of MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. Please share your memories and condolences in Marie's guest book at macphersonfh.com